French family rescued after 16 hours adrift off Thai island

A French family endured a harrowing ordeal, spending more than 16 hours adrift at sea after their rented jet ski capsized off the popular Thai island of Koh Samui. The father, aged 50, and his two sons, aged five and seven, were eventually rescued by local authorities.

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We found them exhausted after swallowing a lot of seawater.

The family was taken to the hospital for medical checks following their overnight ordeal. Local government official Amorn Chomchoey reported they were found exhausted and had ingested a significant amount of seawater. "They were pale, especially the boys," he told AFP.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. local time on August 13, when the father rented the jet ski. When the family failed to return at the agreed time, the rental operator raised the alarm, prompting a search by local rescuers and provincial authorities. They were discovered around 10 a.m. the following day, August 14.

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They were pale, especially the boys.

Investigators are examining why the jet ski overturned shortly after its operation began. The operator's secretary, who also serves as a translator, indicated that the family might have exceeded the boundaries stipulated in the rental contract. The father, however, reportedly described himself as an experienced jet ski driver to officials.

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calm down

Rescue footage shared by the Koh Samui district office depicted the jet ski nearly submerged, with only its front section visible. Rescuers were heard reassuring the family, with one shouting, "calm down" and "they survived." The family, having completed their holiday in Thailand, continued their trip after being discharged from the hospital.

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they survived